Issued in 1912 to mark the establishment of the Republic of China, these two mint never hinged stamps feature vertical overprints in classical Sung characters reading "Republic of China" applied to earlier Coiling Dragon issues from the Qing Dynasty. The 4 cent stamp in brick red was printed by the Statistical Department in Shanghai, while the 7 cent in brown carmine was produced by Waterlow & Sons Ltd in London. Both were printed using gravure, without watermark, and show fine imperial designs now adapted to the new republican authority. Listed as Scott 150 (Chan 155) and Scott 169 (Chan 158), Michel 98 and 115, Yvert 87 and 102, and SG 196 and 224, these stamps are part of the Regular-Writing Characters set and symbolize a pivotal political transition. The dragon motif reflects continuity in national identity, while the overprint marks a break from monarchy to modern statehood. Both stamps are in excellent condition with full original gum and no hinge marks. Estimate "$180 – 220"